[Distal pancreatectomy for rectal metastatic adenocarcinoma 6 years after proctectomy]. / Pancréatectomie caudale pour métastase d'un adénocarcinome rectal 6 ans après exérèse de la tumeur primitive.

We report the case of a 77 year old man treated with a distal pancreatectomy for rectal metastatic cancer. Diagnosis was made based on increased CEA levels following excision of the rectal tumor discovered during treatment follow up of liver and pulmonary metastases. Eight months after pancreatectomy the patient was asymptomatic and CEA levels were normal. Pancreatic resection for metastatic colonic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas may be considered in selected patients without extrapancreatic disease. Long-term survival or good palliation may be achieved after surgery.